Ceiling and wall structures and electrical energy distributing device for use in connection therewith

ABSTRACT

A prewired outlet assembly for use with a suspended ceiling which consists of an elongated channel having spaced wired outlets along its length and means for interlocking it with T-bar for incorporation as part of the ceiling for support of lighting fixtures and ceiling elements so that prewired fixtures can be merely plugged in to the outlets. Provision is also made for the installation of additional prewired channels and vertical prewired columns for cooperation with the ceiling structure and receipt of energy from the outlet assemblies for providing floor outlets for electric appliances. The channels and columns may also include isolated compartments for communication and signalling purposes.

United States Patent 15] 3,683,101 Liberman 1 Aug. 8, 1972 [54] CEILINGAND WALL STRUCTURES 3,450,871 6/1969 Segil et al. ..52/28 X ANDELECTRICAL ENERGY 3,194,361 7/1965 Thurman ..l74/48 UX DISTRIBUTINGDEVICE FOR USE IN CONNECTION THEREWIII'I j 'flf yt gz 'f g f Myers sszsan ammerone [72] Inventor: Milton Liberman 65 Seawana Rd.,

East Rockaway bLY. H518 Attorney Eugene E. Geoffrey, Jr. [22] Filed:Sept. 9, 1970 ABSTRACT [21] App]. No.1 70,748 A prewired outlet assemblyfor use with a suspended ceiling which consists of an elongated channelhaving spaced wired outlets along its length and means for inil...174/49, 525082, terlocking it with Thar for incorporation as part of OO u I n v n n a n u u I I u u u u I n n n u u s I a I I I u u It. e a Iu u I v- [58] Field of Search g elements so that prewired fixtures canbe merely plugged in to the outlets. Provision is also made for 56 R fCted the installation of additional prewired channels and l 1 e erencesI vertical prewired columns for cooperation with the UNITED STATESPATENTS ceiling structure and receipt of energy from the outlet 3 001001 9/1961 b 174/48 X aisemblieslgor grovidlmg fzioorloutlets for filled110135)- 3,146,956 9/1964 Schwartz ..174/49 ux 22,3223? 1,};,jg i,;" 3,110,754 11/1963 Witort et a1... ..174/49 X signalling purposes 2,079,6355/1937 Sharp ..52/282 X 3,383,81 l 5/ 1968 Ades ..52/28 20 Claims, 13Drawing Figures PATENTEIJws amz 3.683.101

sum 3 or 4 INVENTOR 4/. my A gee/144M PATENTEDA B 8 I912 3.683; 101

SHEEI 4 0F 4 m/ Md INVENTOR Maw/055M114,

BY I

CEILING AND WALL STRUCTURES AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTING DEVICEFOR USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH This invention relates to structures foruse in combination with ceilings and walls for the distribution ofelectrical energy such as electrical power for lighting and otherpurposes, communication systems and the like and more specifically toimproved structural members which may be incorporated as part of theceiling structure and prewired for supplying energy throughout theceiling structure as well as to cooperating prewired structures forincorporation in walls, partitions, and the like having outlets forpowering appliances and other electrical equipment.

Present procedures for the installation of ceilings in commercial andresidential structures usually involve the utilization of so-called dropceilings in order to provide space for the accommodation of recessedlighting fixtures, air conditioning ducts, and wiring for powerdistribution and communication. Such ceilings also facilitate access tothe wiring when required and greatly facilitates rearrangement of thelighting when desired. In the installation of such ceilings conduit orBX cable is generally installed before installation of the ceiling andoutlet boxes must be provided at selected positions to facilitateconnection of the lighting fixtures. At the same time, wiring forcommunication systems must be installed at least prior to the finalinstallation of the ceiling tiles and suitably affixed to the buildingstructure. These procedures are obviously costly and time consuming.Furthermore, should outlets be required just above floor level, suitableconduits must be installed either in the walls or on the surface of thewalls and in the latter case the conduits materially detract from thedecor of the office or other room as the case may be.

This invention provides novel and improved means which overcome thewiring problems heretofore encountered in the installation of dropceilings through the provision of prewired electrical assemblies whichmay be installed as an integral part of the ceiling structure and whichgreatly simplifies the electrical wiring necessary to supply energy torecessed lighting fixtures and other electrical apparatus. The inventionfurther contemplates the provision of prewired lighting fixtures whichupon installation are merely plugged in to the prewired assemblies thusavoiding the problems entailed in connecting a lighting fixture directlyto an outlet box. In addition, through the utilization of vertical andhorizontal prewired structures electrical energy can be supplied tooutlets near or at the floor level and at desks, benches, and other workareas to provide energy for electrical appliances and apparatus. Thevertical structures are provided with plugs so that they can beenergized by merely plugging them in to the nearest outlet on theprewired ceiling assemblies.

By providing the prewired ceiling assemblies and the vertically disposedtubular members with internal partitions, communicating circuits such astelephone wiring and intercommunication wiring can be incorporated aspart of the structures.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of improvedinverted T-bars used in the support of drop ceilings which T-bars may bearranged to include means for removably supporting elongated tubularmembers for supporting electrical energy conductors for power as well ascommunication.

The invention further contemplates the provision of an improvedintegrated ceiling structure wherein the ceiling tiles and recessedlighting fixtures are supported by inverted T-bars and wherein prewiredelongated tubular members each carrying a plurality of outlets arecarried by or formed integrally with ceiling supporting means such asT-bars so that upon installation of the ceiling electrical connectionsneed only be made to one end of each of the prewired structures toenergize the entire ceiling. The lighting fixtures whether they be ofthe recessed type or otherwise secured or supported by the drop orsuspended ceiling are provided with plugs for engagement with one of theoutlets in order to energize the fixtures. The fixtures would thereforepreferably be prewired with plugs so that they can be quickly and easilyconnected with the source of energy.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of novel andimproved elongated prewired tubular members embodying means forincorporating them as an integral part of the drop ceiling and having aplurality of outlets for supplying energy for electrical devices.

Still another object of the invention resides in the provision of noveland improved tubular members depending from the ceiling to providewiring for electrical energy and communication systems at pointsadjoining the floor level. Such vertical tubular members may also embodymeans for engaging and being incorporated as part of a wall or partitionwhich thus eliminates the need for complicated and sometimes unsightlywiring particularly when arranging or rearranging work areas in officesand other types of commercial establishments.

The above and other objects of the invention will become more apparentfrom the following description and accompanying drawings forming part ofthis application.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a prewired electricalassembly including ceiling supporting means in accordance with theinvention and a perspective view of a plug for engaging the .outlet onthe electrical assembly in order to energize a lighting fixture or otherappliance;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of a ceilingstructure embodying the prewired electrical assembly illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modification of the prewiredelectrical assembly shown in FIG. 1 which incorporates an auxiliarywireway for enclosing additional electrical conductors as for instanceelectrical conductors for communication purposes;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in partial section of a verticallydisposed prewired tubular member for cooperation with the prewiredelectrical assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 for providingelectrical energy to outlets adjoining the floor level for the supply ofpower and providing connections for communication equipment;

FIG. 5 is an end view of a modified embodiment of the structure shown inFIG. 1 for providing auxiliary wiring channels for incorporation as partof a ceiling structure;

FIG. 5A is an end view of a T-bar having means extending from one sidethereof for supporting auxiliary wiring channels such as thatillustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an end view of a clip for engaging a T-bar and having meansfor supporting auxiliary wiring channels;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top of a ceiling utilizing prewiredelectrical ceiling supporting assemblies in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a room embodying a ceiling utilizingprewired electrical assemblies in accordance with the invention andprewired vertically disposed tubular members for supplying electricalenergy and communication outlets to desks or other work areas and forincorporation as part of a wall or partition; and

FIGS. 9 through 12 are cross-sectional views of prewired verticalmembers for incorporation in walls or partitions for providingelectrical energy to outlets adjoining the floor level as illustrated inFIG. 8.

As previously pointed out, drop or suspended ceilings generally utilizedinverted T-shaped elements supported by wires or rods from the buildingstructure with the T-shaped elements being positioned in predeterminedparallel spaced relationship both longitudinally and laterally andinterlocked to provide openings of predetermined sizes for insertion ofceiling tiles and recessed lighting fixtures. In order to provideelectrical energy for the lighting fixtures, conduits or BX cable had tobe installed with outlet boxes at each lighting fixture location topermit connection of the lighting fixtures. Similarly electric wiringfor communication and other purposes was also generally installed andaffixed to the structure of the building prior to the ceilinginstallation. The improved apparatus in accordance with this inventionavoids the need for the extensive electric wiring on location andprovides factory prewired ceiling supporting assemblies or structureswhich are installed in place of conventional T-bars and which may bequickly and easily connected to the electrical power system of thebuilding to provide energized outlets at spaced positions throughout theceiling area. By providing lighting fixtures or other electrical deviceswith prewired cooperating plugs, the devices can be merely plugged intothe nearest outlet when installed in the ceiling. The invention furthercontemplates prewired vertical columns secured at the upper end to aT-bar and at the lower end to a desk or floor to provide outlets atfloor level. Such vertical members are provided with appropriateprewired plugs so that upon installation they can be merely plugged intothe nearest receptacle in the ceiling. As will be shown, the system alsofacilitates the installation of prewired tubular structures forcommunication systems and other purposes.

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2,the prewired T-bar and outlet assembly is generally denoted by thenumeral 10 and comprises an upwardly opening channel structure 11 havinga bottom wall 12, upwardly extending legs 13 and inwardly extendingflanges 14 on the upper ends of the legs 13. The bottom wall 12 has adependent wall 15 terminating in a transverse wall 16 so that the walls15 and 16 form an inverted T structure which is generally referred to inthe trade as a T-bar. The upper side of the channel structure 11 isclosed by covers 17 and intervening outlets 18. While the outlets 18 maybe of any desired type or configuration, an outlet of the typeillustrated and described in US. Pat. No. 3,500,284, is particularlyuseful since it has recesses along opposite sides thereof which engagethe inwardly extending flanges 14 to secure the outlet in position. Theconductors 19 of which only four are illustrated are connected to theoutlets 18 and the number of conductors in any one of the channels 11would be determined by the number of outlets and the particular type ofoutlet control required.

The structure or assemblies 10 may be made of any desired length andwould normally be of a length corresponding to the length of a bay in abuilding or the length of a room in which the ceiling is to beinstalled. As will be shown, the electric cables supplying the energy tothe conductors 19 can be readily and easily connected to a suitablejunction box at one end of the structure 10. Furthermore, any number ofstructures 10 may be utilized in a single ceiling section depending onthe number of outlets 18 required and the number of outlets on eachstructure. In connection with fixtures intended to be supported by theceiling whether recessed or pendant, such fixtures may be provided withplugs such as the plug generally denoted by the numeral 20 which in theillustrated embodiment comprises a housing 21 having a connector 22extending from the top side thereof for attachment of the BX cable 23.The bottom side of the housing is closed by an insulating plate 24having prongs 25, 26, and 27 for engagement for corresponding openingsin the outlet 11. The remainder of the bottom of the housing is closedby a plate 28 having a perforated car 29 to receive screw 30 whichextends through the ear 29 and engages an opening 31 in the cover plate17. In this way the plug is fixedly secured in place and cannot becomeaccidentally disengaged.

FIG. 2 shows a fragmentary section of a ceiling structure embodying theT-bar and outlet assembly 10 in accordance with the invention. Thestructure 10 is disposed in parallel relationship with a conventional T-bar generally denoted by the numeral 32 and transverse T-bars 33 and 34are positioned at predetermined spaced parallel intervals between andinterlocked with the structure 10 and the T-bar 32 in any suitablemanner. A ceiling tile 35 carrying a lighting fixture 36 is positionedbetween the T-bars 34 and BX cable 23 carrying the conductors connectsthe lighting fixture 35 to the plug 20 as previously described toenergize the fixture. Other portions of the ceiling may merely be closedby conventional tiles generally denoted by the numeral 37. The T-bar andoutlet assembly 10 as well as the conventional T-bars 32, 33, and 34 areall secured to the building structure by suitable rods or wires such asthe wire 38. The supporting arrangement is well-known and a detaileddescription is not deemed necessary.

A modified embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. Thebasic T-bar and outlet assembly is generally denoted by the numeral 10'and includes a wiring channel 39 carried by one leg 13 of the channelmember 12. The wiring channel includes upper and lower legs 40 and acover member 41. The wiring channel 39 would normally be used forcommunication purposes though it may be utilized to house powerconductors of a voltage differing from the voltage of the conductors 19which may be disposed within the channel structure 12. In the lattercase the channel 39 may also include outlets 18 in the samemanner asdescribed in connection with the structure 10.

In many instances it is necessary to provide power outlets adjoining thefloor level and at the same time provide connections for telephones andother communicating equipment. For this purpose a prewired column whichmay be of rectangular or other suitable cross-section may be providedand interconnected with the T-bar and outlet assembly or 10' as the casemay be. One embodiment of such a prewired column is illustrated in FIG.4 and the column structure is generally denoted by the numeral 42. Itconstitutes an elongated tubular structure 43 having a slightly enlargedhousing 44 on the top thereof. The housing 44 includes a suitable clip45 firmly engaging the horizontal plate 16 on the T-bar and outletassembly 10'. The bottom end of the column includes a spring-loadedassembly comprising a piston 46 slidably engaging the column 43 andconnected via a post 47 to a suitable footing 48 frictionally engagingthe floor 49. A spring 50 is interposed between the piston 46 and a wall51'within the housing to urge the foot 48 firmly against the floor. Thetop surface of the housing 44 has a connector 52 for attachment of acable 53 having a plug 20 on the end thereof for engaging an outlet 18.In addition, a second connector 54 may be provided for communicationconductors 55 which are fed into the channel assembly 39 and connectedat the lower portion of the column to a suitable outlet 56. Theconductors within the BX cable 53 would be connected with outlets 18.

A further modification of the T-bar and outlet assembly in accordancewith the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. The modified structure isgenerally denoted by the numeral 10" and includes the channel structure12, the depending wall and the transverse bottom wall 16. The dependingwall 15 includes an inclined flange 57having a tapered portion 58 on oneside thereof. The flange 57 supports an additional wiring structuregenerally denoted by the numeral 59 which comprises a main wiringchannel 60 and a secondary wiring channel 61. These channels may beformed integrally one with the other and may include accessible outletsand covers. The wiring channel 60 has a pair of outwardly extendingsubstantially parallel flanges 62 and 63 with the flange 63 having atapered offset portion'64. The flanges 62 and 63 receive the flange 57therebetween and the tapered portions 58 and 64 interlock one with theother to hold the assembly 59 firmly in position on the flange 57. Asimilar arrangement may also be included as part of a conventional T-baras illustrated in FIG. 5A. In this figure the T-bar is generally denotedby the numeral 65 and includes an inclined flange 57 and a taperedportion 58 similar to corresponding elements described in connectionwith FIG. 5. The modified T- bar structure 65 would therefore be able toreceive and support a suitable wiring channel assembly such as theassembly 59 as shown in FIG. 5.

In certain instances it may be desirable to arrange the inclined flanges57 in FIGS. 5 and 5A asseparate structures for attachment to aconventional T-bar and such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 6. InFIG. 6 the conventional T-bar is generally denoted by the numeral 66 andthe cooperating clip is generally denoted by the numeral 67. The clip 67may be of any suitable length to provide adequate strength to supportauxiliary wiring receiving structures and consists of a U-shaped element68 bridging the vertical wall 69 of the T-bar 66 and having a pair ofdownwardly extending legs 70. The lower portion of each leg is providedwith a semi-circular portion 71 which bears against the side of wall 69,then extends upwardly and terminates in an inclined flange-like portion72 which is substantially identical in structure to the inclined flange57 of FIGS. 5 and 5A. The tapered portion 72 may receive a wiringassembly such as the wiring assembly 59 of FIG. 5 or may receive andsupport a semi-circular channel generally denoted by the numeral 73 inFIG. 6. The channel 73 includes an arcuate portion 74 terminating in aU-shaped clip 75 having an offset portion 76 to engage the shoulder ofthe tapered section 72' of the inclined flange 72. The clip 67 mayeither be formed of an extruded metal such as aluminum or the like orformed of steel or other suitable material.

FIG. 7 is a semi-diagrammatic top view of a drop or suspended ceilingembodying T-bar and outlet assem blies in accordance with the invention.For purposes of illustration the ceiling tiles not carrying lightingfixtures have been omitted in order to view the show cases 77 whichwould normally carry merchandise to be illuminated by the lightingequipment. It will be observed that the ceiling includes three T-bar andoutlet assemblies 10 as previously described and each carries aplurality of outlets 18. Between the T-bar and outlet assemblies 10 areconventional T-bars 78 which are disposed in parallel spacedrelationship one with the others and with the T-bar and outletassemblies 10. Transverse T-bars 79 are positioned in spaced parallelrelationship and suitably interconnected in a conventional manner withthe T-bars 78 and the T-bar and outlet assemblies 10. The spacingsbetween the T-bars are generally arranged to provide 2 foot by 2 footopenings or 2 foot by 4 foot openings as may be desired. The 2 foot by 4foot openings in the instant illustration accommodate recessedfluorescent fixtures 80, each of which is provided with a cable andcooperating plug 20 for engagement with one of the outlets 18. The 2foot by 2 foot openings are provided with ceiling tiles 81 each carryinga recessed high-hat fixture 82 which is also connected by a cable andplug 20 to an adjoining outlet 18. The end of each T-bar and outletassembly is provided with a box 83 for attachment of a power supplyingcable 84.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that the installation andwiring of the fixtures is greatly simplified since electricalconnections are made at one end of the outlet assemblies 10 andelectrical outlet boxes need not be provided at each fixture position.Furthermore, prewiring of the outlet assemblies 10 can be ac complishedat the point of manufacture utilizing mass production techniques withthe result that costs are very substantially reduced and a moreversatile ceiling assembly is provided. It is also evident from FIG. 7that structures such as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A and 6 can beincorporated in the event additional wiring for power or communicationsmay be required.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section of an office provided with an improvedceiling assembly generally denoted by the numeral 85 in accordance withthe invention and having vertical column 86 similar to the columnillustrated in FIG. 4. In the instant illustration column 86 is affixedat the upper end to a T-bar member 87 and at the lower end to the sideof the desk 88. The lower portion of the column 86 includes outlets 18for power and a receptacle 89 for receiving a telephone plug 90.

The vertical columns such as the column 86 of FIG. 8 and the column 42of FIG. 4 may form part of walls or partitions for bringing electricalenergy and communication wiring to the floor level. In FIG. 8 thecolumns 91 through 95 are all tubular members integrated withintervening wall sections to form a partition and are prewired toprovide outlets such as the outlets 18 at the lower ends of the columns93, 94, and 95. A horizontal tubular base member 96 may also be providedand fed by conductors extending through either the columns 91 or 92 toenergize the outlets 18 on the horizontal tubular base member 96. Thecolumns 91 through 95 which are prewired would include cable and plugassemblies such as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 so that they may bereadily plugged into a ceiling outlet assembly as previously described.

FIGS. 9 through 12 are diagrammatic views of crosssections of varioustypes of columns and tubular base members that may be employed.

In FIG. 9 the column is denoted by the numeral 97 and has partitions 98and 99 to accommodate different types of wiring. Sets of spaced flanges100 extend from opposite surfaces of the column 97 to accommodate wallboard or other partitioning material 101. FIG. 10 illustrates a cornercolumn 102 having four sets of spaced flanges 100 to accommodate thepartition material 101. If desired, the space within the column 102 maybe divided by a diagonal partition 103 in place of the partitions 98 and99 in column 97. FIG. 11 illustrates a corner column 103 having spacedflanges 100 on two adjoining faces to accommodate partitioning material101. FIG. 12 illustrates a tubular base member 104 which is similar tothe base member 96 of FIG. 8. The structure of FIG. 12 includes a singlepair of spaced flanges on the upper surface thereof to accommodate thepartitioning material 101. It is evident from FIGS. 9 through 12 thatwhile flanges 100 have been illustrated, any other type of fasteningmeans may be utilized to interconnect the various columns with theintervening partitioning material whether it be of wood, metal, buildingblock or other suitable material.

While only certain embodiments of the invention have been illustratedand described, it is apparent that alterations, modifications andchanges may be made without departing from the true scope and spiritthereof as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

-l. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures comprising anelongated hollow structure an inverted T- shaped member secured to anddepending from the underside of said hollow structure, a plurality ofelectric outlet receptacles carried by said hollow structure and spacedalong the length thereof, said receptacles having terminal portionsdisposed within said hollow structures, a plurality of electric wireswithin said hollow structure and interconnected with said receptacleterminals and means on at least one end of said hollow structure forcoupling said wires to a power source.

2. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 1wherein said hollow structure includes at least two elongated isolatedcompartments for accommodating electric conductors carrying differenttypes of electrical energy.

3. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according to 'claim 1including attaching means positioned along the length of said duct forremovably securing a second elongated hollow structure in substantiallyparallel relationship to the first said elongated hollow structure.

4. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 1wherein said elongated hollow structure includes a bottom, a pair ofupwardly extending side walls, said electric outlets being carried bythe upper ends of said side walls and cover plates closing the areasbetween successive outlets and said inverted T-shaped member dependsfrom said bottom wall.

5. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 4including attaching means positioned along the length of said duct forremovably securing a second elongated hollow structure in substantiallyparallel relationship to the first said elongated hollow structure.

6. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 1wherein said inverted T-shaped member includes a plurality of openingsto engage T- bars disposed transversely of said power supplying duct toform rectangular openings for receiving ceiling tile and lightingfixtures.

7. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 6wherein said ceiling structure includes a plurality of T-bars positionedin spaced parallel relationship to said power supplying structure, aplurality of T-bars positioned transversely of and interconnected withsaid power supplying structure and the first said T-bars to form aplurality of rectangular openings, ceiling tiles positioned in certainof said openings, lighting fixtures positioned in other of said openingsand electric cables connected to said fixtures and having plugs forengaging said outlets to energize said fixtures.

8. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures comprising an elongatedhollow structure for accommodating electrical conductors, and aninverted T-shaped member depending from the underside of said hollowstructure, attaching means positioned along the length of said duct forremovably securing a second elongated hollow structure in substantiallyparallel relationship to the first said elongated hollow structure, saidattaching means being carried by said T-shaped member and extendingoutwardly therefrom.

9. A ceiling structure comprising at least one power supplying ducthaving an elongated hollow structure for accommodating electricalconductors, horizontally disposed flanges secured to and extending fromthe bottom of said hollow structure and electric outlet receptaclescarried by said structure, a plurality of T- bars positioned in spacedparallel relationship to said power supplying duct, a second pluralityof T-bars positioned in spaced parallel relationship and transversely ofthe first plurality of T-bars, said second plurality of T-bars beinginterlocked with said first plurality of T- bars and said powersupplying duct to form a plurality of rectangular openings to supportceiling tile and electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, saidelectrical devices being interconnected with said outlets for the supplyof energy to said fixtures.

10. A ceiling structure comprising at least one power supplying ducthaving an elongated hollow structure for accommodating electricalconductors, horizontally disposed flanges secured to and extending fromthe bottom of said hollow structure and electric outlet receptaclescarried by said structure, a plurality of T- bars positioned in spacedparallel relationship to said power supplying duct, a second pluralityof T-bars positioned in spaced parallel relationship and transversely ofthe first plurality of T-bars, said second plurality of T-bars beinginterlocked with said first plurality of T- bars and said powersupplying duct to form a plurality of rectangular openings to supportceiling tile and electrical devices such as lighting fixtures, saidelectrical devices being interconnected with said outlets for the supplyof energy to said fixtures, a vertically disposed tubula r member, meanson the upper end of the last said member securing it to one of saidT-bars, means fixedly supporting the lower end of said tubular member,outlets carried by said member and electric conductors within saidmember and connecting the last said outlets with said outlets on saidpower supplying duct.

11. A ceiling structure according to claim 10 wherein said verticaltubular member is compartmentized to accommodate conductors carryingdifferent types of electric energy.

12. A ceiling structure according to claim 10 wherein said verticallydisposed tubular member includes means extending along at least one sidethereof for attachment to a wall.

13. A ceiling structure according to claim 10 wherein said tubularmember includes a pair of spaced parallel outwardly extending members onat least one surface thereof and extending substantially throughout thelength of said tubular member for receiving a vertical edge of a wallelement therebetween.

14. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures comprising anelongated hollow structure for accommodating electrical conductors,electric outlets carried by said structure and connected to saidconductors and means carried by said structure for supporting adjoiningceiling elements, outwardly extending longitudinally disposed flangemeans carried by said duct and an auxiliary prewired hollow memberhaving means extending therefrom engaging said flange means to supportthe last said member.

15. The combination with a ceiling structural element for support ofceiling tiles and lighting fixtures of outwardly extendinglongitudinally disposed flange means and an electric conductor carryingmember having means engaging said flange means to support the last saidmember.

16. The combination with a ceiling structural element for support ofceiling tiles and lighting fixtures of outwardly extendinglongitudinally disposed flange means and an electric conductor carryingmember having means engaging said flange means to support the last saidmember, said flange means being formed integrall with said ceilingstructural element.

7. he combination with a ceiling structural element for support ofceiling tiles and lighting fixtures of outwardly extendinglongitudinally disposed flange means and an electric conductor carryingmember having means engaging said flange means to support the last saidmember, said flange means being carried by a clip removably engagingsaid ceiling structural member.

18. A prewired vertical energy supplying column comprising an elongatedtubular member, means at the upper end of said member for engagementwith ceiling structural member, means on at least the other end of saidcolumn for fixing it in a vertical position, at least one electricoutlet carried by said column and electrical conductors connected tosaid outlet means and terminating at the upper end thereof in a plug forattachment to a ceiling outlet.

19. A prewired vertical energy supplying column according to claim 18wherein said tubular member includes means along at least one sidethereof for engaging adjoining wall elements.

20. A prewired vertical energy supply column according to claim 18wherein said elongated tubular member terminates at its lower end in ahorizontal tubular member, said electrical conductors in the first saidelongated tubular member extending into said horizontal tubular memberand electrical outlet receptacles carried by said horizontal tubularmember and interconnected with said conductors.

1. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures comprising an elongatedhollow structure an inverted T-shaped member secured to and dependingfrom the underside of said hollow structure, a plurality of electricoutlet receptacles carried by said hollow structure and spaced along thelength thereof, said receptacles having terminal portions disposedwithin said hollow structures, a plurality of electric wires within saidhollow structure and interconnected with said receptacle terminals andmeans on at least one end of said hollow structure for coupling saidwires to a power source.
 2. A power supplying duct for ceilingstructures according to claim 1 wherein said hollow structure includesat least two elongated isolated compartments for accommodating electricconductors carrying different types of electrical energy.
 3. A powersupplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 1 includingattaching means positioned along the length of said duct for removablysecuring a second elongated hollow structure in substantially parallelrelationship to the first said elongated hollow structure.
 4. A powersupplying duct for ceiling structures according to claim 1 wherein saidelongated hollow structure includes a bottom, a pair of upwardlyextending side walls, said electric outlets being carried by the upperends of said side walls and cover plates closing the areas betweensuccessive outlets and said inverted T-shaped member depends from saidbottom wall.
 5. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures accordingto claim 4 including attaching means positioned along the length of saidduct for removably securing a second elongated hollow structure insubstantially parallel relationship to the first said elongated hollowstructure.
 6. A power supplying duct for ceiling structures according toclaim 1 wherein said inverted T-shaped member includes a plurality ofopenings to engage T-bars disposed transversely of said power supplyingduct to form rectangular openings for receiving ceiling tile andlighting fixtures.
 7. A power supplying duct for ceiling structuresaccording to claim 6 wherein said ceiling structure includes a pluralityof T-bars positioned in spaced parallel relationship to said powersupplying structure, a plurality of T-bars positioned transversely ofand interconnected with said power supplying structure and the firstsaid T-bars to form a plurality of rectangular openings, ceiling tilespositioned in certain of said openings, lighting fixtures positioned inother of said openings and electric cables connected to said fixturesand having plugs for engaging said outlets to energize said fixtures. 8.A power supplying duct for ceiling structures comprising an elongatedhollow structure for accommodating electrical conductors, and aninverted T-shaped member depending from the underside of said hollowstructure, attaching means positioned along the length of said duct forremovably securing a second elongated hollow structure in substantiallyparallel relationship to the first said elongated hollow structure, saidattaching means being carried by said T-shaped member and extendingoutwardly therefrom.
 9. A ceiling structure comprising at least onepower supplying duct having an elongated hollow structure foraccommodating electrical conductors, horizontally disposed flangessecured to and extending from the bottom of said hollow structure andelEctric outlet receptacles carried by said structure, a plurality ofT-bars positioned in spaced parallel relationship to said powersupplying duct, a second plurality of T-bars positioned in spacedparallel relationship and transversely of the first plurality of T-bars,said second plurality of T-bars being interlocked with said firstplurality of T-bars and said power supplying duct to form a plurality ofrectangular openings to support ceiling tile and electrical devices suchas lighting fixtures, said electrical devices being interconnected withsaid outlets for the supply of energy to said fixtures.
 10. A ceilingstructure comprising at least one power supplying duct having anelongated hollow structure for accommodating electrical conductors,horizontally disposed flanges secured to and extending from the bottomof said hollow structure and electric outlet receptacles carried by saidstructure, a plurality of T-bars positioned in spaced parallelrelationship to said power supplying duct, a second plurality of T-barspositioned in spaced parallel relationship and transversely of the firstplurality of T-bars, said second plurality of T-bars being interlockedwith said first plurality of T-bars and said power supplying duct toform a plurality of rectangular openings to support ceiling tile andelectrical devices such as lighting fixtures, said electrical devicesbeing interconnected with said outlets for the supply of energy to saidfixtures, a vertically disposed tubular member, means on the upper endof the last said member securing it to one of said T-bars, means fixedlysupporting the lower end of said tubular member, outlets carried by saidmember and electric conductors within said member and connecting thelast said outlets with said outlets on said power supplying duct.
 11. Aceiling structure according to claim 10 wherein said vertical tubularmember is compartmentized to accommodate conductors carrying differenttypes of electric energy.
 12. A ceiling structure according to claim 10wherein said vertically disposed tubular member includes means extendingalong at least one side thereof for attachment to a wall.
 13. A ceilingstructure according to claim 10 wherein said tubular member includes apair of spaced parallel outwardly extending members on at least onesurface thereof and extending substantially throughout the length ofsaid tubular member for receiving a vertical edge of a wall elementtherebetween.
 14. A power supplying duct for ceiling structurescomprising an elongated hollow structure for accommodating electricalconductors, electric outlets carried by said structure and connected tosaid conductors and means carried by said structure for supportingadjoining ceiling elements, outwardly extending longitudinally disposedflange means carried by said duct and an auxiliary prewired hollowmember having means extending therefrom engaging said flange means tosupport the last said member.
 15. The combination with a ceilingstructural element for support of ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures ofoutwardly extending longitudinally disposed flange means and an electricconductor carrying member having means engaging said flange means tosupport the last said member.
 16. The combination with a ceilingstructural element for support of ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures ofoutwardly extending longitudinally disposed flange means and an electricconductor carrying member having means engaging said flange means tosupport the last said member, said flange means being formed integrallywith said ceiling structural element.
 17. The combination with a ceilingstructural element for support of ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures ofoutwardly extending longitudinally disposed flange means and an electricconductor carrying member having means engaging said flange means tosupport the last said member, said flange means being carried by a clipremovably engaging said ceiling structural member.
 18. A prewiredvertical energY supplying column comprising an elongated tubular member,means at the upper end of said member for engagement with ceilingstructural member, means on at least the other end of said column forfixing it in a vertical position, at least one electric outlet carriedby said column and electrical conductors connected to said outlet meansand terminating at the upper end thereof in a plug for attachment to aceiling outlet.
 19. A prewired vertical energy supplying columnaccording to claim 18 wherein said tubular member includes means alongat least one side thereof for engaging adjoining wall elements.
 20. Aprewired vertical energy supply column according to claim 18 whereinsaid elongated tubular member terminates at its lower end in ahorizontal tubular member, said electrical conductors in the first saidelongated tubular member extending into said horizontal tubular memberand electrical outlet receptacles carried by said horizontal tubularmember and interconnected with said conductors.